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Ahh, the holidays…the stress, the family time, the mile-long to-do list that includes the gifts you need to dream up and track down for the tricky recipients on your list. Let’s all take a collective cleansing breath, mamas. While there are plenty of “do’s” when gift giving, there are certainly more “don’ts” and we asked gifting goddess Laura Neville of Gifted Co. Curated Gifts to cover them all here.

Let’s unpack a few to help you navigate the holidays as a thoughtful, gift-giving goddess:

Grandparents/In-laws

Honestly, they already have a lifetime’s worth of “stuff”. Spending time with their families is often more important than the photo collage mug, to go with their other six photo collage mugs. Ranging from lots of family time to less, there is always a way to create more memories and less stuff.

Other Don’ts:

Kid’s coupon books: They are adorable in theory but we all know they never get cashed in
Anything they will need lots of assistance trying to work, can we say iPad?

Instead, plan an experience gift for them:

Bring them on a family trip with you
Book a fun day exploring a favorite local museum
Host a movie night where they can share a favorite film, or a tea party with treats you pick out (or make!) together

Boss

What to get someone who is in charge of your performance review…that's a tricky one, eh? For starters, avoid anything that says “World’s Best Boss”, everyone knows it’s a bit of a stretch...Funny socks, a sand Zen garden, and a can of mixed nuts are also a no-go.

Try something that they can enjoy at home - out of the office - like these:

A floral arrangement for their home to enjoy during the holidays (gift closer to the holiday they are celebrating so it stays nice and fresh!)
A small charcuterie set-up with some delicious local honey, treats, and an olive board to serve it on
Opt for supporting a cause or charity that is important to them and donate on their behalf (just don’t note the amount)

Teachers

Another tricky gifting situation lies in what to give the patient soul who instills wisdom in your kiddo(s) each day. Personally speaking as a child of a retired kindergarten teacher, they do not need another colorful ornament. Trust me, they definitely have more than enough.

Other don’ts include:

Gift cards
Mugs
Notepads
Anything with an apple on it (seriously)

MORE GIFT RELATED READING: How to treat teacher to gifts they actually want

More gifting “don’ts” (for anybody else on your list)

Ready to make mixes (muffins, dips, etc.): Although fun in concept, we all know they end up expiring in the back of the cupboard
Coffee mugs: We all have 100 mismatched mugs to choose from already
Clothing: Unless you’re shopping for your young children, clothes are usually an awkward gift to receive. The only thing they’re truly receiving is a trip to the return line
Alcohol: I know, I know, you’re thinking “What?!” but hear me out. Oftentimes alcohol gets regifted from one holiday exchange to the next and isn’t really an original gift. If you’re going to bring some along, ensure it’s to enjoy at the event and not the gift itself (unless it’s a rare whiskey for your whiskey-loving giftee)

So get your list together, grab your peppermint mocha, and let the gift-giving games begin. You’ve totally got this.

Laura Neville brings her love of giving more than receiving to her bespoke business, Gifted Co. Curated Gifts in Beverly Hills, MI, where she custom shops and dreams up gifts tailored to who you are gifting, so it feels like it’s coming from your BFF.

For more uniquely curated gift ideas, visit her on Instagram.

What (not) to gift this holiday season